Pop-up candle amusement device

ABSTRACT

The disclosed amusement device includes inner and outer springloaded, telescoping sections; the inner section mounting a candle segment. A pivotal arm carrying a furled banner is concealed within the sections when telescoped and is freed to swing downward permitting unfurling of the banner when the sections are extended. In one embodiment, the sections are progressively released for extension by operation of a music box mechanism, while in another, release is effected by burning of the candle.

United States Patent [72] lnventor John A. Mace 24 Hunting Ridge Road. Stamford, Conn. 21 Appl No 765,596 (22] Filed Oct. 7, 1968 {45] Patented June 22,1971

[54] POP-UP CANDLE AMUSEMENT DEVICE 4 Claims, 7 Drawing Figs.

[52} US. Cl .6 272/27, 46/146,116/132 [51] lnt.Cl A63h 5/00, A63h 13/16 [50] Field of Search 272/27, 8, 8

N,8D;46/l45, 146 117, 118. 175; 124/31,37; 116/132 A, 114.05

[56] References Cited UNlTED STATES PATENTS 3,471,965 10/1969 Glass et a1 272/8 X 1,094,886 4/1914 Diossy 46/146 X 2672.708 3/1954 Sire 46/175 2945583 7/1960 Sire 124/31 X FORElGN PATENTS 1,101 10/1877 Germany....H..1.H.1... 116/132A 166,503 12/1905 Germany 116/132 A 368.898 2/1923 Germany 7 v 116/114.5

1,426 4/1878 Great Britain 116/132A Primary Examiner-Anton O. Oechsle Att0rneyBlair, Cesari and St. Onge ABSTRACT: The disclosed amusement device includes inner and outer spring-loaded, telescoping sections; the inner section mounting a candle segment. A pivotal arm carrying a furled banner is concealed within the sections when telescoped and is freed to swing downward permitting unfurling of the banner when the sections are extended. In one embodiment, the sections are progressively released for extension by operation of a music box mechanism, while in another, release is effected by burning of the candle.

PATENTEfl-JuNzlsn SHEET10F3 INVENTOR. JOHN A. MACE BY BLAIR, CESAR/ AND 57: ONGE' ATTORNEYS PATENTEUHJUN 2 2 m1 sum a or 3 IN VENTOR. JOHN A. MACE BY BLAIR, CESAR/ AND 87: ONGE ATTORNEYS POP-UP CANDLE AMUSEMENT DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The amusement devices of my invention are broadly of the jack-in-the-box" or pop-up" type. However, unlike most amusement devices of this type, my invention is readily adapted such as to appeal to adults as well as children. The amusement devices of my invention are particularly suitable for use as promotional items since they can be readily adapted to display advertising messages in an amusing and entertaining manner or to display solely a humorous theme. In addition to visual effects, my invention is also adapted to provide audio effects; preferably the two being coordinated in accordance with a single theme. Thus a music box motor may release the extendable telescoping sections while playing music keyed to the banner that is unfurled.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with my invention, I provide a pair of springloaded inner and outer telescoping sections adapted to simulate a candle. A real candle segment may be mounted atop the inner section to complete the candle effect and the inner section accommodated telescopically within the outer section against the force of a spring.

Accommodated within the inner section is a pivotally mounted arm which carries a roller about which a banner is furled. When the sections are telescoped the arm is swung upwardly to a vertical orientation. However, when the inner section is extended, the arm swings downwardly through an opening in the inner section to a generally horizontal orientation. In one embodiment, the opening in the inner section is concealed by a door which swings open to permit dropping of the banner arm, thus enhancing the surprise factor.

Banners may be provided to convey any form of message, greeting, etc., humorous or otherwise. The banner roller is readily removable from the arm so that different banners dis playing different messages may be substituted.

In one form of my invention, the telescoping, simulated candle sections are mounted atop a music box. The music box mechanism, of conventional construction, is preferably selected to play music going to the same theme as the banner. The music box mechanism is also adapted to rotate a pulley on which is wound a string. One end of the string is affixed to the bottom of the inner section. As the clockwork mechanism of the music box is wound up, the string is wound onto the pulley and the inner section is pulled downwardly into telescopic relationship with the outer section. As the music box mechanism operates to play music, the string unwinds from the pulley, pennitting the inner section to rise under the pressure of the spring. When the sections are sufficiently extended the banner arm swings out to unfurl the banner.

Since extension of the candle sections of this embodiment progresses slowly under the control of the music box mechanism, it may be desired to imprint an additional coordinated message along the length of the inner section, to be progressively conveyed to the viewer during extension.

In another embodiment of my invention, extension of the telescoping sections is carried out abruptly rather than gradually. The sections are latched in telescoped relationship by the wick ofa candle segment, which may be in the form ofa conventional pipe cleaner. The candle segment atop the inner section carries instead of a conventional wick, a centrally located metal eyelet or sleeve through which the pipe cleaner is inserted. The tip of the pipe cleaner is preconditioned having been dipped in molten wax and allowed to harden. The pipe cleaner readily slips through the eyelet while its tip cannot because of the hardened wax. The lower end of the pipe cleaner is anchored to the bottom of the outer section while the sections are in telescopic relationship. This relationship is maintained because the hardened wax impregnated tip of the pipe cleaner cannot slip through the metal eyelet of the candle segment. However, after the tip of the pipe cleaner is set aflame, the wax burns and softens so that the,pipe cleaner tip can slip through the eyelet. The inner section is thus released and it springs upwardly. As in the first embodiment, a banner is displayed when the inner section is in its upper position.

The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combination of elements and arrangement of parts which will be exemplified in the constructions hereinafter set forth and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims. I

For a fuller understanding of the nature of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an amusement device constructed according to one embodiment of my invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the amusement device of FIG. 1 in its activated condition;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary side elevational view partially in section of the music box portion of the amusement device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary side elevational view, partially in section, of the simulated candle portion of the amusement device of FIG. I;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary side elevational view of a portion of the amusement device of FIG. 1 showing the operation of the banner display;

FIG. 6 is a side elevation, sectional view of an amusement device constructed according to an alternative embodiment of my invention, and

FIG. 7 is a side elevational, sectional view of the amusement device of FIG. 6 in its activated condition.

Similar reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring now to the drawings, one embodiment of my invention, generally indicated at 10 in FIG. 1, includes a music box 12 supporting a candle like member consisting of a candle segment 14 mounted atop a simulated candle body 16.

The simulated candle body 16, as best seen in FIGS. 2 and 4, comprises an inner tubular section 18 telescopically received by an outer tubular section 20. As seen in FIG. 3, and lower end of the outer section 20 is fitted with a plug 22. The reduced diameter lower portion of the plug 22 beyond the bottom of the outer section 20 is inserted through an aperture 23 formed in the top 25 of the music box 12 and secured in place by suitable means, such as glue. The outer section 20 is thus mounted in upright orientation atop the music box 12.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the lower end of the inner section 18 is fitted with a plug 28 while the upper end thereof receives the reduced diameter lower end portion of the candle segment 14. As seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, an elongated helical spring 30 is accommodated in the lower portion of the outer section 20 and confined between plugs 28 and 22. Thus, when the inner section 18 is telescopically received within the outer section 20, the spring 30 is compressed to spring-load the sections. The spring 30 thus biases the inner section I8 upwardly and supplies the force moving the inner section 18 to the activated condition of the amusement device I0 as seen in FIG. 2.

Returning to FIG. 3 the music box 12 contains a music box mechanism, generally indicated 32, which includes a music cylinder 34 driven by a spring powered clockwork mechanism generally indicated at 36. In conventional fashion the cylinder 34 is provided with a plurality of projections 34 which, upon rotation of the cylinder, selectively deflect a plurality of reeds (not shown), inducing them to vibrate to make musical sounds. The spring motor included in the clockwork mechanism 36 is wound by a key 38 projecting through the sidewall of the music box 12, as in conventional fashion.

In my invention, a pulley 40 is drivingly connected to the clockwork mechanism 36 as seen in FIG. 3. A string 42 is wound on the pulley 40 with one end thereof anchored to the pulley periphery as indicated 43. From the pulley 40, the string 42 runs upward through a metal sleeve or eyelet 44 extending axially through the end plug 22 and is anchored at its other end to plug 28 as seen at 45 (FIG. 4). A string guide 48 is anchored at one end to the frame 49 of the music box mechanism 32. Its other end is fashioned in the form of a pigtail 48 through which the string 42 runs as it is wound from the pulley 40.

It will be seen that when the clockwork mechanism 36 of the music box mechanism 32 is wound by turning the key 38, the pulley 40 is rotated to wind the string 42 thereon. This draws the inner section 18 downwardly into telescopic relation with the outer section 20. When the music box mechanism 32 is released by manipulation of switch 50 (FIGS. 1 and 2) the pulley 40 rotates to unwind the string 42 as cylinder 34 rotates to play music. As the string 42 plays off pulley 40, the inner section 18 is released to be forced upwardly by the spring 30.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 4, the inner section 18 is formed having an elongated side opening 52 intermediate its ends. A door 54 hinged along one vertical edge of the aperture 52 is preferably provided to cancel the opening during the upward travel of the inner section lb. The door is closed when the sections are telescoped and opens only after its bottom edge has cleared the upper end of the outer section 20.

Still referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the upper surface of plug 28 in the bottom end of inner section 18 is transversely slotted as indicated at 56. A pin 58, anchored in plug 28, extends transversely across the slot 56 to serve as a pivotal mount for a banner arm 60 and spring arm 62. Preferably, as seen in FIG. 4, the banner arm 60 and spring arm 62 are formed from a single length of spring wire, the mid portion 63 thereof being coiled several times about the transverse pin 58.

The banner arm 60 carries a roller 64 on which a banner 66 is furled and unfurled. The top edge of banner 66 is secured to the roller 64, while the bottom edge incorporates a weight 66' to induce unfurling. The inner edge of the roller 64 has a series of notches 64' as seen in FIGS. 2, 4, and 5, for the purpose of engaging the banner arm 60 at the crook 60' formed therein. The outer end of the banner arm 60 is furled as seen at 60 to prevent the banner roll 64 from slipping off during normal operation. Yet, the banner roll 64 and banner 66 assembly may be slipped off the arm 60 when it is desired to substitute another having a different theme or message to convey.

In operation, the banner 66 is furled on the roller 64 and the banner arm 60 is swung upwardly into the interior of the inner section 18. The roller 64 is also slid downwardly on the arm 60 so that the crook 60' in the arm 60 engages one of the notches 64' in the banner roller. It is desirable to provide four notches 64, spaced 90 apart, to insure that the crook 60' engages one of the notches 64 when the banner 66 is fully or at least virtually fully furled on banner roll 64, regardless of the length of the banner or the diameter of the banner roll. When the banner arm 60 is swung upwardly into the interior of the inner section 18 through the opening 52 and the door 54 closed, it is seen in FIG. 4 that spring arm 62 bears against the inner wall of the inner section 18. The spring arm 62 thus serves to push the banner arm and banner-roll assembly against the door 54, forcing it to open as soon as it clears the top of the outer section 20. In addition, the door 54 may be hinged to the inner section 18 in a manner so as to spring open upon clearing the outer section.

Additionally important function of the spring arm 62 is to insure that the banner arm 60 is swung off vertical to the left as seen in FIG. 4 when the opening 52 is clear, thus enabling the remaining downward swinging movement of the banner arm to be effected under the force of gravity. The downward swinging movement of the banner arm progresses gradually inasmuch as the upward extension of the inner section 18 is under the control of music box mechanism 32. The banner arm 60 cannot assume a generally horizontal orientation until the inner section has extended upwardly to the point where the pin 58 is above the upper end ofthe outer section 26. Until this occurs, the banner roll 64 is prevented from rolling on the banner arm 60 due to the engagement of the crook 66' in one of the notches 64. This feature prevents the banner from unfurling until the last moment, thus increasing the surprise. It will be appreciated that the banner roll will slide out to the end of the banner arm 60 when the latter has dipped slightly below horizontal thus disengaging the crook 60' of the banner arm from one of the notches 64', and permitting the banner 66 to unfurl. It is preferable however to form the notches 64 with diverging edges, as best seen in FIG. 5, so as to produce a camming action inducing disengagement therebetween as the weight 66 in the bottom edges of the banner 66 urges the banner roller 64 into rotation. It will be further noted that the crook 60 in banner arm 60 also serves to space the banner roll 60 from the pivotal mounting, thus insuring proper operation.

As seen in FIG. 2, the banner, for example, may bear the message Happy Birthday" which is automatically unfurled at the conclusion of several verses of the song Happy Birthday played by the music box mechanism 32. Any number of different banners may be used in accordance with my invention, with the music played by the music box mechanism 32 preferably coordinated with the theme of the message conveyed by the banner.

In this embodiment of my invention, it is not necessary that the candle segment 14 be lit, however, it is desirable to do so in order to enhance the effect of my amusement device. If desired the candle segment 14 may employ a battery operated light to simulate a candle.

In the embodiment of my invention shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, release of the spring-loaded candle sections is effected in an entirely different manner than in the embodiment of FIG. I. This amusement device 110 includes an inner section 18 telescopically received in an outer section 20 against the force of an elongated helical spring 30. The upper end of the spring 30 bears against a plug 28 fitted in the bottom end of the inner section 18. The lower end of the spring 30 bears against an annular abutment 70 secured in the lower end of the outer section 20. The lower end of the outer section 20 is mounted in upright orientation in a base 72 which may constitute the top of a music box as in the embodiment of FIG. I.

The banner arm 60 and spring arm 62 are constructed and mounted in the manner already described. Thus, a banner 66 is furled on a roller 64 carried by the banner arm 60. With the banner 66 furled, the banner arm and spring arm are pivoted upwardly into the interior of the inner section 18 through an opening 52 therein. In this embodiment, a door 54 is unnecessary since the inner section pops up abruptly rather than gradually as in the embodiment already described.

A candle segment 74 is mounted in the upper open end of the inner section 18. A centrally mounted metal sleeve or eyelet 76 is incorporated in the candle segment 74. An elon-- gated tube 78 has its lower end mounted in a through bore 80 formed in the plug 28 in the bottom of the inner section 118. The tube 78 extends upwardly to the point somewhat below the candle segment 74.

In accordance with an important feature of my invention I employ a conventional pipe cleaner as a wick 80 for candle segment 74. Thus, the wick 80 consists of a twisted wire stern holding a plurality of absorbent fibrous tufts along its entire length. In the preparation of the wick 80 for use in the amusement device of my invention, I dip the tip thereof in molten wax which is then allowed to harden. This hardened wax tip of the wick 80 is indicated at 80 in FIG. 6.

T0 arm the amusement device I0, the wick 80 is threaded through the eyelet 76 in the candle segment 74 and on down through the tube 78 to a point below the end plug 28 in the inner section 18. The hardened wax tip 80' prevents the wick from slipping entirely through the eyelet 74. The lower end of the pipe cleaner 80 is engaged by one end of a hook 82 and pulled downwardly to bring. the inner section 18 into springloaded, telescopic relation with the outer section 20. The bottom end of hook 82 is turned upwardly to engage the annular abutment 70 in the bottom of the inner section 20. The wick 80 thus serves as a latch to maintain the inner and outer section in telescopic relation against the force of the compressed spring 30. While the sections are in telescopic relation, the banner 66 is furled on the banner roll 64 and the banner arm 60 and spring arm 62 are folded into the interior of the inner section 18 through the opening 52.

At this point, the waxed tip 80' of the pipe cleaner 80 is set aflame. After the wax is sufficiently consumed and softened the tip of the wick 80 is forced through the eyelet 76 by the spring 30, releasing the inner section 18 to pop up abruptly. It is seen that as the inner section springs upward, the tip 80' of wick 80 passes into the tube 78 to extinquish the flame. Extension of the inner and outer sections 18 and 20 is limited by a string 85 tied at one end to the end plug 28 and at its other end to the annular abutment 70. When so extended the banner arm springs out from'the interior of inner section 18 through the opening 52 and swings downwardly into horizontal relation to permit the banner 66 to unfurl from banner roll 64.

l have found that the spring arm 62 may be eliminated in the amusement device of H68. 6 and 7. Since the inner section 18 springs up abruptly, the banner arm 60 swings out from the opening 52 without requiring an initial push.

While the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7 does not require a music box for its operation, one may be included for added effect. For example, the inner section may be mechanically linked to the music box switch, such that, when the inner section springs up, the music box mechanism is turned on.

It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, since certain changes may be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

Having described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. An amusement device comprising, in combination:

A. a first member;

B. a spring disposed within said first member;

C. a second member adapted for telescopic movement relative to said first member;

D. motorized means linked to said second member for retaining said members in telescoped relation and selectively operating in cooperation with said spring to provide controlled telescopic movement of said second member relative to said first member;

E. an arm pivotally mounted at one end to said second member, said arm accommodated within said first member when said first and second members are in telescoped relation,

F. means pivoting said arm to a lateral orientation relative to said members when said second member reaches an extended position suffieient to clear said arm from said first member; and

G. indicia means carried by said arm for display when said arm assumes said lateral orientation.

2. The amusement device defined in claim 1, wherein said motorized means includes:

1. a music box mechanism having a pulley mounted to rotate with said mechanism, and

2. a string wound on said pulley with an end thereof secured to said second member.

3. The amusement device defined in claim 2, wherein said motorized means further includes:

1. a guide for guiding said string as it is wound on and unwound from said pulley to produce telescopic movement of said second member relative to said first member. 4. The amusement device defined in claim 1, wherein said arm is vertically accommodated within said first member and pivots to a horizontal orientation, and said indicia means includes a roller carried by said arm and a banner furled on said roller,

1. said arm formed having a crook to engage one end of said roller and maintain said roller spaced from the pivotally mounted end ofsaid arm,

2. said one end of said roller formed having a notch for engaging said crook to prevent rotation of said roller on said arm until said am is generally horizontally oriented, and

3. said banner weighted at its bottom edge to promote disengagement of said crook from said notch and thereafter banner unfurling rotation of said roller. 

1. An amusement device comprising, in combination: A. a first member; B. a spring disposed within said first member; C. a second member adapted for telescopic movement relative to said first member; D. motorized means linked to said second member for retaining said members in telescoped relation and selectively operating in cooperation with said spring to provide controlled telescopic movement of said second member relative to said first member; E. an arm pivotally mounted at one end to said second member, said arm accommodated within said first member when said first and second members are in telescoped relation, F. means pivoting said arm to a lateral orientation relative to said members when said second member reaches an extended position sufficient to clear said arm from said first member; and G. indicia means carried by said arm for display when said arm assumes said lateral orientation.
 1. a music box mechanism having a pulley mounted to rotate with said mechanism, and
 1. a guide for guiding said string as it is wound on and unwound from said pulley to produce telescopic movement of said second member relative to said first member.
 1. said arm formed having a crook to engage one end of said roller and maintain said roller spaced from the pivotally mounted end of said arm,
 2. said one end of said roller formed having a notch for engaging said crook to prevent rotation of said roller on said arm until said arm is generally horizontally oriented, and
 2. a string wound on said pulley with an end thereof secured to said second member.
 2. The amusement device defined in claim 1, wherein said motorized means includes:
 3. The amusement device defined in claim 2, wherein said motorized means further includes:
 3. said banner weighted at its bottom edge to promote disengagement of said crook from said notch and thereafter banner unfurling rotation of said roller.
 4. The amusement device defined in claim 1, wherein said arm is vertically accommodated within said first member and pivots to a horizontal orientation, and said indicia means includes a roller carried by said arm and a banner furled on said roller, 